Most gyms have these odd looking inflatable discs, but what the heck do you do with it?
Inflatable Balance Disc/Cushion
What is it: A small inflatable cushion/disc that adds an element of instability to a workout. The cushion is typically textured on one side to control tread and minimize tipping. You can easily control the balance challenge by adjusting the inflation (less inflated it is, the harder).
Area of Body it Works: Core and more (depends entirely on how you use it)
Why: The instability, maximizes effort during functional training-- Good for a strong core and lower back.
How: There are many ways you can use the disc but here are some easy ideas --
- Place a cushion under your foot/feet when doing squats and lunges.
- Place two under your feet when doing sit-ups on an exercise ball.
- Place one under your low back when doing crunches on the floor.
- Place two under your hands (or one under your feet) during push-ups.
- Place one disc under your feet while doing calf raises to strengthen ankles, calves and thighs.
- Place one under your hands or feet during a plank.
- Place one under your booty while sitting on an average chair to increase the strength of your lower abdomen and back muscles, reducing your risk of back injury from sitting all day.
If you have your own use for the balance cushion, share it with us in the comments section below.
Source
Alessi
Ghibli
Best Mountain
I've been curious about these things. Are they similar to the BOSE cushions as well?
1we used these at my school for crunches & sit-ups but i think ours were fatter.
2OOH! my boss just got a few of them for our office & I LOVE them. The first day my abs were a little sore. Mostly cause when I was bored I'd wiggle from side to side & roll my hips around. Believe me, I haven't gotten twitchy at my desk since I've been sitting on one of these. But they're great. And when I'm alone in the office and my brain stops working, I put my knees on it & do a few push-ups. It's a great quick fix. Plus the txture of the cushion is cool, you can put the prickly sid up for a massage.
Anyway, in case you couldn't tell, I'm smitten.
3for your office? what a great boss you have. where do you work?
I've seen these at the gym, haven't tried them yet. Wanted to though. Maybe I will now.
4my gym has them now and i was wondering what and how to use them
5thanks
Where could I purchase one of these?
6I love this thing. I call it my 'squishy'
7i use my balance disk while i stand at my laptop at home doing different exercises, there has only been one negative side effect- typos in my emails! other than that i love my balance disk!
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